Last Friday after work, Christina and I went to Surf for appetizers and wine to celebrate our mutual birthdays and Christina’s annual trip to Greece.  One of Portsmouth’s newest restaurant, it is situated near the top of Bow Street in new construction that has closed the row of buildings and eliminated what was a perfect slice of open space to view tanker ships arriving and leaving.

That unfortunate detail aside, the new retail spaces have brought foot traffic farther up the hill and Surf is a perfect spot for people-watching.  We happily perched ourselves at the end of the U-shaped bar and, with great views of the river and street, ordered wine (a Stone Fruit Riesling for me, a cabernet sauvignon for C.) and a series of outstanding apps:

Clams on the Half Shell 
Parmesan-Fried Calamari
Hong Kong Salmon Rolls
Chorizo-Braised Mussels 
Clams on the Half Shell (again!)
Fried Tomato and Crispy Bacon Salad

Well worth a visit, especially in the evening when it’s hopping.

In the spirit of seafood and the fact that I have dozens of yet-untried recipes that need action, here is a quickie from an old Food and Wine magazine.  Total time is given as 25 minutes but if you cheat and buy shrimp that are already cleaned and deveined, it’s even faster.